Giroux scores shootout winner in Flyers’ 4-3 win over Bruins

Giroux fooled Boston goalie Tuukka Rask with a backhand-to-forehand move, then Michael Ryder’s wrist shot hit the post on Boston’ final attempt, giving the Flyers a 4-3 victory over the Bruins on Thursday night.

“We practised it a couple of times, and I thought I’d try it,” Giroux said. “If it didn’t work, I would’ve looked stupid, but it worked.”

Playing for only the second time in 12 days because of a scheduling quirk, the well-rested Flyers shook off some rust by the peppering 39 shots at Rask. Philadelphia is 1-1 in shootouts.

Philadelphia (4-2-1) snapped a three-game losing streak after starting the season 3-0 for the first time since 1998-99. Boston dropped to 4-5-0. They have followed each of their wins with a loss this season.

The Bruins, who beat Nashville 3-2 on Wednesday night, are playing without injured stars Marc Savard and Milan Lucic. They were outshot 39-26. Philadelphia’s Ray Emery stopped 23 shots.

Matt Hunwick smacked a wrist shot from just inside the blue-line, giving Boston a 2-1 lead.

The Flyers had a chance in the game’s closing seconds, but Jeff Carter’s short-handed breakaway attempt was stopped.

A quiet five-minute overtime sent the teams into a shootout. Danny Briere’s attempt missed wide right and Rask stopped a shot by Mike Richards. Emery denied Boston shooters Blake Wheeler and Patrice Bergeron.

Flyers coach John Stevens selected Giroux, and the right wing didn’t disappoint. He entered that appearance 0-for-3 in his career.

“I think the kid flourishes in that spotlight there,” Stevens said. “We had a shootout practice the other day and he made a similar move. We’ve used him a few times before, but he’s made good moves and not scored. We decided to give him a shot tonight, so I’m glad I did.”

Powe knew something was coming.

“It’s always fun watching him play,” Powe said. “That move he pulled had everyone off their feet. He’s a special player and a guy who can do that. I knew he’d do that. Pretty sick.”

Rask had little chance.

“He has good hands,” he said. “I played against him in the minors. … I had no idea what he was going to do. He made a good move.”

NOTES: Philadelphia Phillies’ pinch-hitter and Fredericton native Matt Stairs attended the game. … Carter played in his 221st straight regular-season game. … Tollefsen had his first career two-point game. … All four Flyers’ home games have been decided by one goal.